On May 26, 2017, Davit Sergeenko, Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, said that people with status-neutral document living on the occupied territories will be able to enjoy the hepatitis C program, which had previously been available only for persons with documents proving Georgian citizenship.

The Public Defender of Georgia addressed the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia with a proposal with regard to the abovementioned issue on January 26, 2016. In particular, the Public Defender called on the Ministry to enable persons with neutral identity cards and persons with neutral travel documents to enroll in the State Program on Elimination of Hepatitis C. It was indicated in the proposal that the residents of the occupied territories belonged to a particularly vulnerable category, which had to live in a difficult social, economic and rights situation. Under these conditions, the Public Defender considers that Georgia has a positive obligation to protect the health and social rights of persons residing in the occupied territories.

According to the first letter from the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs, such a change was impossible due to the security requirements of the program. However, later, the Public Defender was informed of the agreement signed between the Ministry and the pharmaceutical company "Gilad", according to which, persons with neutral documents would be included in the program.

The Public Defender of Georgia welcomes the implementation of his recommendation by the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia and the Government of Georgia. This move will not only improve access to health care services in the conflict regions, but also will restore trust between the communities split by conflict.